It’s always nice to get a present. It’s better to open up a present, early! Bill Lewis and Fred Giese are just thrilled to share their Arizona Camera Club Council gifts with the Sun Lakes Camera Club. Each received a first place in their respective categories for Yellowstone River in Monochrome – Open, Print and Past Present Remembered in Creative, Digital at the 2014 Fall Round Up. Congratulations!

One very cold September morning, Bill Lewis captured Yellowstone River. Bill reached his destination prior to sunrise equipped with his Nikon D800 and Nikkor 24-120 zoom lens set at 120 mm; camera settings used were f/16 at 1/10th, ISO 800 on a tripod; completing his image using Silver Efex Pro 2 by Nik Software. Fred Giese a/k/a American Traveler created his winning composite, Past Present Remembered, using his editing skills with Photoshop CC, Nik Software and Topaz. Fred combined an image from Bonaventure Cemetery taken in Savannah, Georgia with images shot during Soldier Days held in Camp Verde, Arizona. Results were appropriately honored.

Holiday portraits were once again a success. For everyone who participated, your prints will be available beginning the week of December 1. You can pick your images up at the front desk of the Sun Lakes Country Club during normal hours of operation. If you have any questions please direct them to Fred Giese at 480-220-4394.

Our fall photo trip to Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge and White Sands, New Mexico will be December 8, 9 and 10. Join fellow members in capturing some breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at a few pristine landscapes in America. Contact Janet at [email protected] or Karen at [email protected] for details, updates and time of departure.

Fundamentals of Digital Photography will break for two weeks after its December 15 class meeting, resuming on Monday, January 5, 2015. Contact Dan at [email protected] for updates. Happy New Year!

The ninth annual Luminaria Walk at Diamond Lake (Oakwood) will be held on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 from 6:00–8:00 p.m., weather permitting. It’s a beautiful sight of lights enhanced by the melodic sounds of the Chordaires; who will perform on Saturday evening. Non-perishable food items will be accepted by the Chandler Christian Community Center. The center will distribute them to people in need in our community. Cash donations accepted also. Trucks will be located at both entrances for collection.

The Sun Lakes Camera Club (SLCC) meets the first and third Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club from October through April. For more information about the SLCC and its activities call SLCC President John Livoti at 480-895-6880, Vice President Burt Williams at 602-354-0266 or past President Fred Giese at 480-220-4394 or visit our website at sunlakescameraclub.com.